U.S. patent application number 16/013628 was filed with the patent office on 2018-10-18 for securing device and linear guiding mechanism.
The applicant listed for this patent is AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH, THK GmbH. Invention is credited to Torsten BERGER, Claus-Peter GROSS, Eiji HOSAKA, Patrick ROLLFINK, Lars SCHOMACKER, Diana SIEHNDEL.
Application Number | 20180298946 16/013628 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57680267 |
Filed Date | 2018-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180298946 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GROSS; Claus-Peter ; et
al. |
October 18, 2018 |
SECURING DEVICE AND LINEAR GUIDING MECHANISM
Abstract
Disclosed is a securing device for providing a movable unit of a
linear guiding mechanism with additional safety in that the
securing device prevents the movable unit from coming off a guiding
rail in case of a bearing malfunction. The securing device
comprises at least one securing portion and a coupling portion for
coupling the at least one securing portion to the movable unit. The
securing portion is engageable with the guiding rail in case of a
failure of the movable unit.
Inventors: |
GROSS; Claus-Peter;
(Hamburg, DE) ; SCHOMACKER; Lars; (Hamburg,
DE) ; ROLLFINK; Patrick; (Hamburg, DE) ;
SIEHNDEL; Diana; (Hamburg, DE) ; HOSAKA; Eiji;
(Ratingen, DE) ; BERGER; Torsten; (Ratingen,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
THK GmbH |
Hamburg
Ratingen |
|
DE
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
57680267 |
Appl. No.: |
16/013628 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/EP2016/082299 |
Dec 22, 2016 |
|
|
|
16013628 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16C 29/064 20130101;
F16C 29/0609 20130101; F16C 29/0607 20130101; F16C 29/10 20130101;
F16C 29/0638 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16C 29/06 20060101
F16C029/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 23, 2015 |
DE |
102015122675.8 |
Claims
1. A securing device configured to be coupled to a movable unit of
a linear guiding mechanism and to secure said movable unit to a
guiding rail of said linear guiding mechanism, the securing device
comprising: at least one securing portion; and a coupling portion;
wherein the coupling portion is configured to couple the at least
one securing portion to said movable unit, and wherein the securing
portion is engageable with said guiding rail in case of a failure
of said movable unit in order to prevent said movable unit from
coming off said guiding rail.
2. The securing device according to claim 1, wherein each securing
portion comprises one or more abutment portions configured to limit
a movement of the securing portion with respect to the guiding rail
in at least a direction different to the movement direction of the
movable unit.
3. The securing device according to claim 2, wherein at least one
of the one or more abutment portions is integrally formed with the
securing portion.
4. The securing device according to claim 3, wherein each abutment
portion is configured to protrude into an elongate groove formed in
said guiding rail.
5. The securing device according to claim 4, wherein at least one
abutment portion is at least partially formed on the basis of the
shape of a respective elongate groove of the guiding rail.
6. The securing device according to 5, wherein each securing
portion comprises two abutment portions extending towards each
other with a configuration to protrude into respective elongate
grooves formed on opposite sides of said guiding rail.
7. The securing device according to claim 6, comprising two
securing portions arranged at a predetermined distance from each
other, said two securing portions defining an accommodating space
for accommodating said movable unit.
8. The securing device according to claim 7, wherein said
accommodating space is further defined by said coupling
portion.
9. The securing device according to claim 8, wherein said coupling
portion comprises two support sections each of which connecting the
securing portions.
10. The securing device according to claim 9, wherein said support
sections are at least partially flat and extend substantially in
parallel to each other, wherein each support section comprises a
supporting surface for contacting a mounting surface of said
movable unit, and wherein said support sections are coupled to said
securing portions such that said abutment portions are arranged at
a predetermined distance from said supporting surfaces.
11. A linear guiding mechanism comprising: a guiding rail
comprising two guiding grooves arranged on opposite sides of said
guiding rail; a movable unit; and a securing device mounted to said
movable unit, wherein the securing device is configured to be
coupled to a movable unit of a linear guiding mechanism and to
secure said movable unit to a guiding rail of said linear guiding
mechanism, the securing device comprising: at least one securing
portion; and a coupling portion; wherein the coupling portion is
configured to couple the at least one securing portion to said
movable unit; and wherein the securing portion is engageable with
said guiding rail in case of a failure of said movable unit in
order to prevent said movable unit from coming off said guiding
rail.
12. The linear guiding mechanism according to claim 11, wherein
said securing device is mounted on said movable unit by the
coupling portion such that the at least one securing portion is
arranged with its one or more protrusions protruding into a guiding
groove.
13. The linear guiding mechanism according to claim 12, wherein
said securing device comprises two securing portions arranged on
opposite sides of said movable unit in a movement direction of the
movable unit.
14. The linear guiding mechanism according to claim 13, wherein
said guiding grooves comprise ball races providing a support for a
linear ball bearing.
15. The linear guiding mechanism according to claim 13, wherein
said movable guide comprises two raceways each guiding multiple
balls such that ball roll axes of the balls contacting the ball
races are arranged substantially parallel to each other and
perpendicular to the travelling direction of the balls.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of international patent
application number PCT/EP2016/082299, having an international
filing date of Dec. 22, 2016, which claims priority to German
patent application number 102015122675.8, having a filing date of
Dec. 23, 2015. The content of the referenced applications is
incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The technical field relates to a securing device configured
to be coupled to a movable unit of a linear guiding mechanism and
configured to secure the movable unit to a guiding rail of the
linear guiding mechanism. Furthermore, the technical field relates
to a linear guiding mechanism comprising a securing device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Linear guiding mechanisms comprising movable units can be
used for movably supporting elements in an aircraft. Such linear
guiding mechanisms may comprise a guiding rail and a movable unit
movably mounted on the guiding rail. The movable unit can withstand
loads acting in directions different from the movement direction of
the movable unit to a certain extent. Furthermore, the movable unit
is adapted to support a desired element movably on the guiding
rail.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] Linear guides providing reliable supporting strength while
fulfilling the necessary safety requirement in aircraft industry
are bulky and heavy.
[0005] There may be a need to provide a securing device for use in
connection with a linear guiding mechanism, which eliminates the
above drawbacks.
[0006] The teachings as hereinafter defined for an embodiment of
the present disclosure directed to a securing device also apply to
embodiments of the present disclosure directed to a linear guiding
mechanism with a securing device and vice-versa.
[0007] According to one of various aspects of the present
disclosure, a security device configured to be coupled to a movable
unit of a linear guiding mechanism and configured to secure the
movable unit to a guiding rail of the linear guiding mechanism is
provided. The securing device comprises at least one securing
portion and a coupling portion. The coupling portion is configured
to couple the at least one securing portion to the movable unit.
The securing portion is engageable with the guiding rail in case of
a failure of the movable unit in order to prevent the movable unit
from coming off the guiding rail.
[0008] A securing portion may refer to any portion of the securing
device which is able to engage with the guiding rail in such a
manner that the securing device cannot come off the guiding rail.
For example, a securing portion can be a portion of the securing
device which is specifically designed to at least partially
encompass the guiding rail in a manner allowing that the securing
device can be moved along the guiding rail without contacting the
same. On the other hand, since the securing portion partially
encompasses the guiding rail, the movement of the securing device
in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction along the
guiding rail will lead to a contact between the securing portion
and a portion of the guiding rail thus preventing an indefinite
movement of the securing device. Accordingly, any element coupled
to the securing device will be prevented from coming off the
guiding rail.
[0009] In order to couple the securing device to a movable unit,
the securing device comprises the coupling portion. A coupling
portion may refer to any portion of the securing device by means of
which it is possible to couple the securing device to the movable
unit of the linear guiding mechanism. For example, the coupling
portion can comprise a specific means for mounting the securing
device to the movable unit, e.g. a bore for receiving a screw or
centering protrusions to be inserted into mating openings formed in
the movable unit. On the other hand, it is also possible to form
the securing device integrally with the movable unit. In this case,
the coupling portion may refer to a portion of the securing device
connecting the securing portion with the movable unit.
[0010] In this context, "able to engage" or "engageable" means that
an engagement is caused under certain conditions only and the
securing portion is normally not in contact with the guiding rail.
In other words, under normal conditions, the securing portion is
not engaged with the guiding rail but is constructed and arranged
such that an engagement will take place in case the securing device
is moved in a direction different from the movement direction of
the movable unit, for instance. In order to render the securing
portion "engageable", it is possible to provide a securing portion
which is placed and guided in close vicinity to the outer
circumferential surface of the guiding rail when the securing
device is mounted to the movable unit of the linear guiding
mechanism. In this way, only a small movement of the securing
device in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the
movable unit is necessary for establishing an engagement between
the securing portion and the guiding rail. An engagement can thus
be understood as contacting in such a way that a further movement
of the securing portion with respect to the guiding rail is not
possible. In other words, the securing portion is prevented from
moving beyond a desired position by a form-fit engagement occurring
when the securing portion gets in contact with another element.
[0011] Furthermore, in this context, "failure" may refer to a
malfunction of the movable unit in such a way that a supporting
function of the movable unit in a direction perpendicular to the
moving direction of the movable unit, i.e. perpendicular to the
extension direction of the guiding rail, is lost. Such a failure
may lead to a condition in which the movable unit comes off the
guide rail and in which, consequently, the elements mounted to the
movable unit are no longer correctly supported and guided on the
guiding rail. In particular, a failure or malfunction may refer to
a bearing malfunction of a bearing for supporting the movable unit
on the guiding rail. For example, a bearing as used in this context
can be a ball bearing in which balls run on respective surfaces of
the guiding rail and the movable unit.
[0012] As will also be obvious from the further description, the
securing device is advantageously applied to movable units which do
not comprise inherent features for securing the movable unit to the
guiding rail but can also be provided to movable units comprising
such features as an additional securing element. In this way,
securing devices adapted to the movable units to be secured on the
guiding rail can be tailormade as to the different security
requirements.
[0013] With the above mentioned securing device, it is possible to
add an additional securing feature to a movable unit of a linear
guiding mechanism so that the linear guiding mechanism can be
rendered safer. Furthermore, using the above described securing
device in a linear guiding mechanism allows a separation of guiding
features and securing features. Therefore, it is not necessary to
adapt a construction of the movable unit of a linear guiding
mechanism with respect to securing functions which could negatively
affect the design of the movable unit making the same more complex
or bulky. Consequently, since the use of the securing device allows
a separation of the guiding features and the securing features, the
guiding features and the securing features of a linear guiding
mechanism can be optimized independently.
[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each
securing portion comprises one or more abutment portions configured
to limit a movement of the securing portion with respect to the
guiding rail in at least a direction different to the movement
direction of the movable unit. Accordingly, the one or more
abutment portions can get in contact with a portion of the guiding
rail restricting a further movement in the direction of orientation
of the abutment portions, for instance.
[0015] In this context, the movement direction of the movable unit
is to be understood as the direction in which the movable unit is
guided along the guiding rail. This movement direction may also be
referred to as x-direction or longitudinal direction of the movable
unit. A plane perpendicular to the x-direction is referred to as
cross sectional plane. The direction which is perpendicular to the
x-direction and which is a parallel to a lower portion of the
guiding rail is referred to as y-direction. The y-direction may
also be referred to as transverse direction of the movable unit.
Accordingly, in case the guiding rail is mounted on a horizontal
plane, the y-direction extends in parallel to the horizontal plane.
A direction which is perpendicular to the x-direction and the
y-direction may also be referred to as z-direction.
[0016] Since according to this embodiment of the present
disclosure, the abutment portions are configured to limit the
movement of the securing portion with respect to the guiding rail
in at least a direction different to the movement direction of the
movable unit the securing device is configured to limit the
movement of the movable unit in other directions than the
above-described x-direction. For example, the abutment portion can
limit a movement of the movable unit in the z-direction.
[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at
least one of the one or more abutment portions is integrally formed
with the securing portion. In this way, a structurally durable
configuration is available.
[0018] For example, the securing portion can be formed hook-like in
such a manner that the abutment portion is provided at the end of
the hook and faces in the upward z-direction. Accordingly, the
abutment portion of this example provides a stop acting in the
upward z-direction, i.e. as a stop of a movement of the securing
device in the upward z-direction.
[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, each
abutment portion is configured to protrude into an elongate groove
formed in the guiding rail. An elongate groove formed in the
guiding rail may refer to any groove in the guiding rail into which
the abutment portion can protrude for securing purposes.
[0020] The elongate groove may refer to a groove which has a
function different from an engagement with the securing portion.
For example, the elongate groove can be formed as a support for a
ball bearing, i.e. the elongate groove can comprise ball races. On
the other hand, it is possible to provide an elongate groove for
securing purposes only, meaning that the elongate groove into which
the abutment portion protrudes does not have an additional function
besides forming a suitable contact portion for the abutment with
the abutment portion. Such an elongate groove for securing purposes
may be formed in parallel to a groove comprising ball races, for
instance.
[0021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at
least one abutment portion is at least partially formed on the
basis of the shape of a respective elongate groove of the guiding
rail.
[0022] In other words, the abutment portion can be at least
partially formed such that its outer contour follows the outer
contour of a respective elongate groove. In this way, it is
possible to place the abutment portion close to a wall of the
elongate groove while maintaining a substantially constant distance
between the wall and the abutment portion.
[0023] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, each
securing portion comprises two abutment portions extending towards
each other with a configuration to protrude into respective
elongate grooves formed on opposite sides of the guiding rail.
[0024] In this way, the two abutment portions protrude into
respective elongate grooves from opposite sides. In other words,
the two abutment portions are arranged such that they can protrude
in elongate grooves provided on opposite sides of the guiding
rail.
[0025] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
securing device comprises two securing portions arranged at a
predetermined distance from each other, wherein the two securing
portions define an accommodating space for accommodating the
movable unit. Accordingly, it is possible to accommodate the
movable unit between the securing portions.
[0026] For example, the two securing portions can be arranged in
such a manner that they are arranged on both sides of the movable
unit in the longitudinal direction of the movable unit. In other
words, when considering the movement or x-direction, one of the two
securing portions is arranged in front of the movable unit and one
of the two securing portions is arranged behind the movable unit.
The securing portion which is arranged in front of the movable unit
can also be referred to as leading securing portion and the
securing portion which is arranged behind the movable unit can also
be referred to as trailing securing portion when considering the
movement direction of the movable unit.
[0027] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
accommodating space is further defined by the coupling portion. In
other words, the accommodating space is limited on one side by the
coupling portion. In this way, the accommodating space is further
defined.
[0028] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
coupling portion comprises two support sections each of which
connecting the securing portions. Thus, the support sections extend
between the securing portions.
[0029] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
support sections are at least partially flat and extend
substantially in parallel to each other, wherein each support
section comprises a supporting surface for contacting a mounting
surface of the movable unit and wherein the support sections are
coupled to the securing portions such that the abutment portions
are arranged at a predetermined distance from the supporting
surfaces.
[0030] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a
linear guiding mechanism is provided. The linear guiding mechanism
comprises a guiding rail comprising two guiding grooves arranged on
opposite sides of the guiding rail. Furthermore, the linear guiding
mechanism comprises a movable unit and a securing device as
described before.
[0031] Since the linear guiding mechanism comprises the securing
device, the movable guide is secured to the rail and cannot come
off the rail in case of a failure of the movable unit.
[0032] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
securing device is mounted on the movable unit by means of the
coupling portion such that the at least one securing portion is
arranged with its one or more protrusions protruding into a guiding
groove.
[0033] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
securing device comprises two securing portions arranged on
opposite sides of the movable unit in a movement direction of the
movable unit. With such an arrangement, the movable unit is secured
at its leading end and its trailing end by the securing device.
[0034] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
guiding grooves comprise ball races providing a support for a
linear ball bearing.
[0035] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
movable guide comprises two raceways each guiding multiple balls
such that the ball roll axes of the balls contacting the ball races
are arranged substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular
to the travelling direction of the balls. With such a construction,
a compact linear guiding mechanism is achieved.
[0036] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a securing
device which can prevent a movable unit of a linear guiding
mechanism from coming off the guiding rail even if there is a
malfunction in the bearing of the movable unit which leads to a
situation in which the bearing can no longer guide the movable
unit. In other words, even if a bearing supporting the movable unit
on the guiding rail is no longer able to support the movable unit
on the guiding rail, the securing device will prevent that the
movable unit is separated from the guiding rail. In this way, it is
ensured that an element coupled to the movable unit always remains
coupled to the guiding rail which leads to an enhanced and more
reliable support. The securing device may have a cage structure and
can be provided on the movable unit such that the movable unit is
accommodated in the cage structure. In other words, the securing
device may enclose the movable unit to a sufficient extent and can
be formed such that a form-fit coupling is established between the
securing device and the guiding rail in case a bearing function
between the movable unit and the guiding rail is lost. In this way,
the movable unit and further elements coupled to the movable unit
remain securely coupled to the guiding rail.
[0037] A person skilled in the art can get other characteristics
and advantages of the disclosure from the following description of
exemplary embodiments that refer to the attached drawings, wherein
the described exemplary embodiments should not be interpreted in a
restrictive sense.
[0038] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of
the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] The various embodiments will hereinafter be described in
conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like
numerals denote like elements, and wherein:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of a linear guiding
mechanism with a securing device according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic view of a securing device
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a linear guiding mechanism
with a securing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure as viewed in the movement direction of the
movable unit.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a linear guiding mechanism
without a securing device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure or the
application and uses of the present disclosure. Furthermore, there
is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the
preceding background on the following detailed description.
[0045] FIG. 1 shows a perspective schematic view of a linear
guiding mechanism 5 with a movable unit 3, a guiding rail 7 and a
securing device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0046] The movable unit 3 is movably engaged with guiding grooves
17, 19 provided on opposite sides of the guiding rail 7 by means of
bearings (not shown in FIG. 1). In this way, the movable unit 3 is
movable on the guiding rail 7 along the extension direction of the
guiding rail 7.
[0047] As is shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the guiding rail 7
comprises ball races 33, 35 in the respective guiding grooves 17,
19 which provide a support for balls 41, 43 of a linear ball
bearing. The movable unit 3 comprises two raceways 37, 39 for
guiding the balls 41, 43 of the linear ball bearing, one raceway on
each side of the guiding rail 7. In other words, the movable unit 3
is supported on the guiding rail 7 by means of the balls 41, 43. It
is to be noted that although only two balls 41, 43 are shown in
FIG. 4, multiple balls 41, 43 which are guided in the raceways 37,
39 in a closed loop are used.
[0048] In order to enable the movable unit 3 to receive loads in
all directions, the guiding grooves 17, 19 may be specifically
shaped for an optimum force transfer via the balls 41, 43. For
example, the guiding grooves 17, 19 comprising the ball races 33,
35 can have a Gothic-arch shape. As is further shown in FIG. 4, the
balls 41, 43 are guided on the guiding rail 7 such that their roll
axes A1, A2 are substantially parallel to each other when the balls
41, 43 contact the guiding rail 7. In this way, a compact linear
guiding mechanism 5 is provided.
[0049] As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the securing device 1
comprises two securing portions 9A, 9B which are coupled to each
other at their upper ends by means of a coupling portion 11 having
two support sections 23, 25. The support sections 23, 25 comprise
supporting surfaces 27, 29 which in FIGS. 1 and 2 are the lower
surfaces of the support sections 23, 25 facing towards and
contacting the movable unit 3 when mounted on the same. More
precisely, as shown in FIG. 1, the supporting surfaces 27, 29
contact a mounting surface 31 of the movable unit 3.
[0050] An accommodating space 21 is defined by the support sections
23, 25 and the inner end faces of the securing portions 9A, 9B. As
is shown in FIG. 1, when the securing device 1 is placed on the
movable unit 3, the movable unit 3 is accommodated in the
accommodating space 21. As is also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, multiple
fixation bores are provided in the support sections 23, 25 at
positions which are aligned with respective threaded openings
provided in the movable unit such that the securing device 1 can be
threadedly coupled to the movable unit 3. Consequently, when
coupled to each other, the securing device 1 and the movable unit 3
form an integral assembly.
[0051] The securing device 1 comprises abutment portions 13, 15
provided on the respective securing portions 9A, 9B as is shown in
the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. In the present embodiment, the
abutment portions 13, 15 are protrusions which are formed so as to
protrude in the guiding grooves 17, 19 formed in the guiding rail
7. In the embodiment, the structure of the securing device 1 is
rigid. Consequently, it is necessary to slide the securing device 1
onto the guiding rail 7 in the extension direction of the guiding
rail 7. As soon as the abutment portions 13, 15 are arranged such
that their free ends are located in the guiding grooves 17, 19, the
securing device 1 cannot be separated from the guiding rail 7 in a
direction perpendicular to the extension direction or longitudinal
direction of the guiding rail 7 as a movement of the securing
device 1 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction
of the rail would result in the abutment portions 13, 15 contacting
sections of the walls of the guiding grooves 17, 19.
[0052] On the other hand, the securing device 1 is configured such
that in a condition in which the securing device 1 is mounted on a
respective movable unit 3, the abutment portions 13, 15 are not in
contact with the walls of the guiding grooves 17, 19. In other
words, in a mounted condition, the abutment portions 13, 15 are
arranged at a distance from the walls of the guiding grooves 17, 19
so that no friction occurs between the abutment portions 13, 15 and
the guiding grooves 17, 19 when the movable unit 3 is linearly
moved along the guiding rail 7.
[0053] Due to the above construction of the securing device 1, the
movable unit 3 is accommodated between the guiding rail 7 and the
securing device 1 and carries the securing device 1. The securing
device 1 does not affect the function of the movable unit 3 but is
able to keep the movable unit 3 on the rail in case a supporting
function between the movable unit 3 and the guiding rail 7 is lost.
In such a case, the movable unit 3 is only allowed to slightly move
in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction along the
guiding rail 7 until the abutment portions 13, 15 of the securing
device 1 contact sections of the guiding grooves 17, 19 and a
further movement of the movable unit 3 is limited.
[0054] While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented
in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated
that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be
appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments
are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope,
applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure any way.
Rob, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled
in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing an exemplary
embodiment, it being understood that various changes may be made in
the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary
embodiment without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal
equivalents.
* * * * *